Tag Archives: book lists

I love to see what’s new in the world of children’s literature, and I’m so excited about the new ebook revolution with its possibilities and opportunities for new authors. But I am and always will be a great proponent of the classics. These are stories that have stood the test of time. They became classics because they had something fresh or valuable to say, something worthy of remembering and passing on. Because they’ve been told over and over – some to generations of children – they have entwined themselves with the definition of our culture. Becoming familiar with such works is part of becoming educated in one’s own heritage.

Drawing on several sources, I’ve created a list of classic children’s stories. I cut off my list at 1977, but we must remember, children will define their own classics. Stories that are being written now will long hold a place in their hearts. They will be passed down from our children to our grandchildren with fond memories. This list could be added to every year.

Earlier than 1900 – These are what experts tend to agree on as the most noteworthy in history, those we should be familiar with on an academic basis. They are included on high school and college reading lists. They have become stories for adults more than for children, due to the challenges of passing time and changing language. Yet they are still a valuable source of adventure and imagination and history. I’d recommend them as read-alouds, so parent and children might enjoy them together.

After 1900 – These are stories more dear to a modern reader’s heart. They are the tales today’s adults grew up reading, which haven’t passed quite so far into memory. These also make wonderful read-alouds, but they are much easier for a child to pick up and read alone. And for a child, they are still historical.

THE MOUNTAIN TRILOGYSong of the Mountain--Now FREE! Nominated for a 2013 Cybils Award. Semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Review 2013 Book Awards.KindleNookKoboSmashwordsPaperFire on the MountainKindleNookKoboPaperTears of the Mountain (On hold as I write Ella Wood, book one)

"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands." Psalm 102:25